Here is good news for formulators in the U.S. facing the challenge of replacing nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) in industrial detergents and cleaners. AkzoNobel Surface Chemistry has introduced Berol® 609, an alcohol ethoxylate blend designed to match the key properties and effective performance of NPEs typically used in industrial degreasing formulations (NP9 and NP10 ), while providing a safe, readily biodegradable alternative and exceeding the degreasing power of leading NPE replacements. Both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the industrial laundry industry are targeting the phase-out of NPEs in 2013. As a result, formulators will find the introduction of Berol® 609, the next generation of NPE replacement, very timely. Berol® 609 has initially been launched in North America.
Berol® 609 may be used as a direct drop-in replacement for NP9 and NP10 in aqueous cleaning formulations. Results from non-mechanical comparison degreasing tests conducted on mineral oil-based grease by AkzoNobel Surface Chemistry have demonstrated that an aqueous degreaser formulated with Berol® 609 not only matches the performance of NP9 and NP10 but also provides similar surfactant properties (e.g., cloud point equal to NP9), superior handling characteristics such as lower pour point and viscosity, and the ability to dissolve much more quickly in cold water. It also exceeded the degreasing performance of a leading NPE replacement.
Developed to formulate highly efficient aqueous cleaners, Berol® 609 is completely water-soluble without the need for hydrotropes. And when it is placed in existing formulations, none of the other components need be modified to maintain performance.
NPE Phase-out – Just a Matter of Time
At this point, phase-out of NPEs may be done voluntarily. However, the EPA will soon be adding NP and NPEs to its new Chemicals of Concern List. As a result, new rules restricting their use will be issued for these materials, which also will be added to the EPA’s list of chemicals that companies must report as part of its Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) program. The goal of the TRI program is to provide communities with information about toxic chemical releases and waste management activities and to support informed decision-making at all levels by industry, government, non-governmental organizations, and the public.
On the industry side, the Textile Rental Services Association, which represents 98% of industrial laundry facilities in the U.S., is committed to voluntarily phasing out the use of NPEs in industrial liquid detergents by the end of 2013, and in industrial powder detergents by the end of 2014. Berol® 609 provides the ideal alternative for companies looking to voluntarily phase out NPEs in their industrial cleaners.
For more information about AkzoNobel’s new Berol® 609 industrial degreaser, please contact Linda.Terwilliger@akzonobel.com For samples or assistance, please contact your local AkzoNobel sales representative or the AkzoNobel Customer Service Department at CSRUSA@akzonobel.com